U.S. patent application number 14/300040 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for foldable walker apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to EVOLUTION TECHNOLOGIES INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is EVOLUTION TECHNOLOGIES INC.. Invention is credited to Julian Liu.
Application Number | 20140284891 14/300040 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47218722 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140284891 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liu; Julian |
September 25, 2014 |
FOLDABLE WALKER APPARATUS
Abstract
The present invention provides a folding mechanism for a walker
apparatus. The folding mechanism includes a pair of spaced-apart
inner frame members. Each of the inner frame members has a first
part and a second part hingedly connected together. The folding
mechanism includes a pair of link members diagonally extending
between and pivotally connecting to the inner frame members. The
link members operatively connect the inner frame members together.
According to another aspect, there is provided a walker apparatus
having a pair of spaced-apart, foldable inner frame members and a
pair of diagonally-extending link members. The link members connect
the inner frame members together.
Inventors: |
Liu; Julian; (Port Moody,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EVOLUTION TECHNOLOGIES INC. |
PORT COQUITLAM |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
EVOLUTION TECHNOLOGIES INC.
PORT COQUITLAM
CA
|
Family ID: |
47218722 |
Appl. No.: |
14/300040 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13115551 |
May 25, 2011 |
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14300040 |
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|
12247781 |
Oct 8, 2008 |
8083239 |
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13115551 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 3/02 20130101; A61H
2003/002 20130101; A61H 2201/0192 20130101; B62B 5/04 20130101;
A61H 2201/1633 20130101; A61H 2201/0161 20130101; A61H 2003/046
20130101; A61H 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/42 |
International
Class: |
A61H 3/04 20060101
A61H003/04 |
Claims
1-27. (canceled)
28. A folding mechanism for a walker apparatus, the folding
mechanism comprising: a pair of spaced-apart inner frame members,
each of the inner frame members including a first part and a second
part hingedly connected together; and a pair of link members
diagonally extending between and pivotally connecting to the inner
frame members, the link members operatively connecting the inner
frame members together.
29. The mechanism as claimed in claim 28, wherein the inner frame
members are substantially horizontal when the mechanism is in an
unfolded mode.
30. The mechanism as claimed in claim 28, further including a
handle outwardly extending from one of the inner frame members.
31. The mechanism as claimed in claim 30, whereby actuation of the
handle causes the link members to pull the first part and the
second part of a first one of the inner frame members to fold
together and towards each other.
32. A walker apparatus having the folding mechanism of claim 28,
the apparatus further including a pair of spaced-apart support
members between which the inner frame members extend.
33. The apparatus as claimed in claim 33 wherein the support
members are arc-shaped.
34. A walker apparatus having the folding mechanism of claim 28,
the apparatus further including a pair of spaced-apart support
members, a first one of the inner frame members extending between
and pivotally connecting to the support members.
35. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30 wherein the link members
are spaced-apart inwardly from the support members.
36. A walker apparatus comprising: a pair of spaced-apart, foldable
inner frame members; and a pair of diagonally-extending link
members, the link members connecting the inner frame members
together.
37. The apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein each of the inner
frame members includes a first part and a second part hingedly
connected together.
38. The apparatus as claimed in claim 36, further including a pair
of spaced-apart, upright outer frame members, the inner frame
members extending between the outer frame members.
39. The apparatus as claimed in claim 38, wherein the inner frame
members are pivotable relative to the outer frame members.
40. The apparatus as claimed in claim 36 wherein each of the link
members has an outwardly-extending bend.
41. The apparatus as claimed in claim 38 wherein the link members
have an extended mode for opening the inner frame members outward
and thereby spacing-apart the outer frame members, and a folded
mode for bringing the inner frame members together.
42. The apparatus as claimed in claim 36 further including a
bracket outwardly extending from a first one of the link members to
enable a second one of the link members to slidably pass
therethrough.
43. The apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein the inner frame
members are shaped to provide lateral support to the apparatus.
44. The apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein a first one of
the inner frame members has teeth positioned to inter-engage in an
extended mode.
45. The apparatus as claimed in claim 36, further including a pair
of spaced-apart upright, outer frame members, a pair of support
members extending from respective ones of the outer frame members,
and a pair of rods extending from respective ones of the outer
frame members, a first one of the inner frame members pivotally
connecting to the support members and a second one of the inner
frame members pivotally connecting to the rods.
46. The apparatus as claimed in claim 45, wherein the support
members are arc-shaped and wherein the rods extend between
respective ends of the support members.
47. The apparatus as claimed in claim 45 wherein the first one of
the inner frame members extends between the support members and
wherein the second one of the inner frame members extends between
the rods.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/115,551 filed in the United States
Patent and Trademark Office on May 25, 2011, which in turn is a
divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/247,781 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office
on Oct. 8, 2008, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein
by reference and priority to which is claimed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a foldable walker
apparatus. More particularly, it relates to a foldable walker
apparatus having a variety of optimized features relating to its
folding mechanism, braking pad mechanism and brake housing, brake
rod assembly, frame shape and collapsible basket.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] It is known to have foldable walkers. However, much of the
prior art discloses walkers that require many parts and this may
lead to additional manufacturing costs. On the other hand, some
walkers have fewer parts but may suffer from a lack of robustness
and rigidity, particularly in the lateral direction. This may lead
to a compromise in the safety of such devices. Some walkers in
their folded states remain bulky and difficult to manage. Still
further known walkers suffer from having many parts that may tangle
with one's clothing.
[0006] There are a great variety of frame shapes for walkers. In
order to accommodate the variety of body shapes and circumstances
that a user of walkers may encounter, a strong frame is needed.
This has led to frames that have many parts, which may lead to
further manufacturing costs. Alternatively, this has led to frames
that are square or rounded-square in profile which are thicker
and/or made of heavy duty metals. Such features may lead to a
heavier, less manageable and therefore less enjoyable walker.
[0007] Many foldable walkers include baskets. However oftentimes
these baskets need to be removed before the foldable walkers may be
folded. Alternatively, many of these baskets require the foldable
walker to fold from front to back. This may compromise the strength
and rigidity of the frame of the foldable walker. Also, many of the
baskets for walkers require many parts. This may act to increase
manufacturing costs.
[0008] A variety of walkers have a housing over the brake pad
mechanisms. However oftentimes this housing only partially extends
over the brake pad. Even if the brake pad is covered by a housing,
often the connecting and adjusting means for adjusting the brake
pad protrudes outwards or is exposed for the user to adjust. As a
result, some walkers of the prior art have brake pad mechanisms
that are more prone to getting entangled with the user of the
walker, which may lead to a great inconvenience and a safety
concern for the user. Moreover, such walkers are more prone to
breaking, and wear and tear, including damage such as
thread-stripping of the connecting and adjusting means for the
brake pad. This may lead to the considerable inconvenience, and
extra expense to the user, or a premature need to replace the brake
pad mechanism. It may also lead to a further compromised safety to
the user if as a result the walker no longer brakes.
[0009] The use of a brake rod for walkers is known. Brake rods
provide the advantage of enabling the walker's height to be
adjusted without affecting brake cables disposed within the
walker's telescoping tubes. However, some walkers require the two
separate steps of 1) adjusting and fixing the height of the
telescoping tubes through thumb screws and 2) fixing the brake rod
to function accordingly. This is time consuming, requiring
additional parts and thus manufacturing costs. It also may require
a significant degree of dexterity which may therefore be
challenging and therefore frustrating for the user of the walker.
Some walkers combine the fixing of the height of the telescoping
tubes with the fixing of the brake rods. However such walkers
require that the length of the telescoping tubes be first fixed by
the user in order to enable the brake rods to function. Therefore,
if the user does not have the dexterity to fix the height of the
telescoping tubes, or if the fixing mechanism for the telescoping
tubes malfunctions or no longer works through damage or wear and
tear, such as a stripping of the thumb screw, this means that the
brake rod cannot be fixed and the braking function of the walker
will not work. This may result in a walker braking mechanism that
is less robust and less safe.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved
walker apparatus that overcomes the above disadvantages.
[0011] More particularly, the present invention provides a walker
apparatus with a folding mechanism that allows the walker to be
folded laterally in a compact manner, and that minimizes the number
of required parts while optimizing robustness and lateral support.
A frame shape is provided with enhanced strength-to-weight and
strength-to-number-of-parts ratios, as well as enhanced stability
for the walker apparatus. A collapsible basket is provided that
simply collapses laterally in conjunction with the walker, that is
readily removable and that requires fewer parts. A brake housing is
provided that more fully encloses and therefore protects the brake
pad mechanism, including the means for connecting and adjusting the
brake pad, which thereby provides a more streamline, more robust
and safer walker apparatus. A brake rod is provided that is
self-adjusting and thereby provides a more robust, user-friendly
and safe walker apparatus.
[0012] According to one aspect, there is provided a folding
mechanism for a walker apparatus. The folding mechanism includes a
pair of spaced-apart inner frame members. Each of the inner frame
members has a first part and a second part hingedly connected
together. The folding mechanism includes a pair of link members
diagonally extending between and pivotally connecting to the inner
frame members. The link members operatively connect the inner frame
members together.
[0013] According to another aspect, there is provided a walker
apparatus. The walker apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart,
foldable inner frame members. The walker apparatus includes a pair
of diagonally-extending link members. The link members connect the
inner frame members together.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention will be more readily understood from the
following description of preferred embodiments thereof given, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a top, front isometric view of a walker apparatus,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the walker apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the walker apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the walker apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of part of an outer frame
member including a handle bar assembly, according to one embodiment
of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the part of the outer
frame member of FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a partial, side elevation view of the interior of
the handle bar assembly including a handle in a non-actuated
mode;
[0022] FIG. 7A is an enlarged up, side elevation view of a lever
and brake wire connected thereto for the handle bar assembly of
FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 7B is an enlarged view along lines 7B-7B of FIG. 7
illustrating the lever and brake wire connected thereto;
[0024] FIG. 7C is an enlarged, partial view of FIG. 7 showing a
projection from a first handle lever and an adjacent projection
from a second handle lever.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a partial, side elevation view similar to FIG. 7
with the handle is an actuated brake mode;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a partial, side elevation view similar to FIG. 7
with the handle is an actuated park mode;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a side partial view of the outer frame member in
section along lines 10-10 of FIG. 6 to illustrate a brake rod
assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, partial elevation view of the brake
rod with a gripping member according to one embodiment of the
invention slidably connected thereto in a non-actuated mode;
[0029] FIG. 12 is an enlarged, partial elevation view similar to
FIG. 11 with the gripping member engaging the brake rod in an
actuated mode;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a wheel assembly
illustrating a brake housing according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a rear elevation view of the wheel assembly and
brake housing;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 13 with the
brake housing partially in section to illustrate a brake pad
assembly in a non-actuated mode;
[0033] FIG. 16 is bottom plan view of the brake pad assembly of
FIG. 15;
[0034] FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the brake pad assembly
of FIG. 16 illustrating a brake pad and a means for fixing and
adjusting the brake pad;
[0035] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 15
illustrating the brake pad assembly in an actuated mode with the
brake pad engaging the wheel;
[0036] FIG. 19 is a top, front isometric view of a collapsible
basket according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the collapsible basket of FIG.
19;
[0038] FIG. 21 is a rear elevation view of the collapsible basket
of FIG. 19;
[0039] FIG. 21A is an enlarged view of FIG. 21 illustrating a
connection bracket and an insert shaped to be received by the
connection bracket for thereby mounting the collapsible basket;
[0040] FIG. 22 is side elevation view of the collapsible basket
shown along lines 22-22 of FIG. 21;
[0041] FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of a folding mechanism in
an extended mode, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of the folding mechanism of
FIG. 23;
[0043] FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the folding mechanism of FIG.
23 in the extended mode;
[0044] FIG. 26 is a rear, bottom perspective view of the folding
mechanism in the extended mode together with the walker
apparatus;
[0045] FIG. 27 is a rear elevation view of the folding mechanism of
FIG. 26 in a partially folded mode;
[0046] FIG. 28 is a rear elevation view of the folding mechanism
and walker apparatus in a fully folded mode;
[0047] FIG. 29 a top plan view of the walker apparatus illustrated
in FIG. 28 in the fully folded mode; and
[0048] FIG. 30 a top, front isometric view of the walker apparatus
in the fully mode.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0049] Referring to the drawings and first to FIGS. 1 to 4, there
is provided a walker apparatus in this example a foldable walker
apparatus 20. The walker apparatus 20 includes a pair of upright,
spaced-apart elongate members or outer frame members 22 and 24. As
shown in FIG. 1, outer frame member 22 has an upper end 26 and a
lower end 28 spaced-apart therefrom. A screw 27 located adjacent to
the upper end connects to a backrest member 29. The same applies
for outer frame member 24 and the backrest member 29 thereby
connects the outer frame members 22 and 24 together at their upper
ends. Each of the outer frame members has substantially the same
parts and performs substantially the same functions and therefore
only outer frame member 22 will be discussed in detail.
[0050] FIG. 5 shows part of the outer frame member 22 including a
straight portion 40 with a handle bar assembly 36 extending
outwards therefrom adjacent the upper end 26. The handle bar
assembly 36 includes a grip pad 30 extending along the straight
portion 40. The handle bar assembly 36 includes a handle bar
housing 44 comprised of two halves secured together and secured to
the straight portion 40 via screws 46, 48 and 49. The handle bar
assembly 36 also includes a first handle lever 42 having a first
end 41 with an actuator, in this example a gripping handle 38,
extending therefrom. The handle bar assembly 36 is illustrated in
greater detail in FIGS. 7 to 9 where one half of the handle bar
housing 44 is partially removed to show an interior 45 of the
handle bar housing 44.
[0051] Referring first to FIG. 7, this shows the handle bar
assembly in an non-actuation mode. The first handle lever 42 is
pivotally mounted via pivot 70 to the handle bar housing 44. The
first handle lever 42 has a second end 72 spaced-apart from the
first end 41. The first handle lever 42 includes a projection 73
interposed between the first end 41 and the second end 72. The
second end 72 is positioned to be engageable a second handle lever
74.
[0052] The second handle lever 74 is pivotally mounted to the
handle bar housing 44 via pivot 76 at a first end 78 of the second
handle lever 74. The second handle lever 74 has a second end 80
spaced-apart from the first end 78. A link 84 pivotally connects
together the first handle lever 42 to the second handle lever 74
via pivot 86 which is between ends 41 and 72 of the first handle
lever, and pivot 82 which is between ends 78 and 80 of the second
handle lever. The first handle lever 42, the second brake lever 74
and the link 84 may collectively be referred to as an actuation
means for actuating a connection member or brake wire 90 when the
gripping handle 38 is squeezed. As shown in FIG. 7C, the second
handle lever 74 has a projection 75 between the first end 78 and
the second end 80 that extends towards the projection 73 of the
first handle lever 42. These are shown in FIG. 7C with the link 84
removed. Referring FIG. 7, the second end 80 of the second handle
lever 74 extends within and is moveable within a recess 79 of a
body 39 of the straight portion 40 of the outer frame member. An
edge 77 is interposed between the body 39 and recess 79.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B which show partially within the
recess 79, the second end 80 includes a slot 88. The brake wire 90
is connected to the second handle lever 74 through a nipple 92
extending from the brake wire 90 and that slidably engages with the
slot 88.
[0054] The handle bar assembly 36 may be positioned in an actuated,
braking mode as shown in FIG. 8. When the gripping handle 38 is
actuated or pulled upwards from the perspective of FIG. 8 as
indicated by arrow 93, this causes the second end 72 of the first
handle lever 42 to forcibly abut against and push the second handle
lever 74 to the right, from the perspective of FIG. 8 as indicated
by arrow 94. This thereby causes the brake wire 90 to be
actuated.
[0055] The handle bar assembly 36 may be positioned in an actuated,
parking mode as shown in FIG. 9. When the gripping handle is
actuated or pushed downward from the perspective of FIG. 9, this
causes the first end 72 of the first handle lever 42 to move within
the recess 79 and abut against edge 77. Also, the projection 73 of
the first handle lever 42 is caused to forcibly abut with the
projection 75 of the second handle lever 74. The first handle lever
42 is thereby held in place by being wedged between the edge 77 of
the straight portion 40 and the projection 75. The abutment of the
projection 73 against projection 75 thereby causes the second
handle lever 74 to move to the right from the perspective of FIG. 9
as indicated by arrow 96 and thereby actuate the brake wire 90.
[0056] Referring back to FIGS. 5 and 6, the frame member 22 has a
bend 32 extending from the straight portion 40. Referring to both
FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the bend 32 extends to telescoping tubes 60
which include inner tube 50 and outer tube 62 shaped to receive the
inner tube 50. The straight portion 40, the bend 32 and telescoping
tubes 60 together provide a rounded L-shape for the outer frame
member 22. Tube 50 has a plurality of spaced-apart apertures 52
which define an adjustment range 53, as shown in FIG. 5. A means
for locking the telescoping tubes together, in this example a thumb
screw 66, shown in FIG. 1, may be inserted through one of said
apertures to fixedly adjust the height of the telescoping tubes 60,
as is well known to those skilled in the art. This thereby enables
the height of the walker apparatus to be adjusted to provide an
optimized height for the user.
[0057] FIG. 10 shows part of the outer frame member 22 partially in
section to reveal a brake rod assembly 89. The brake rod assembly
89 includes a brake rod 98 which extends within inner tube 50 of
FIG. 5. The brake rod 98 in this example has a hexagonal
cross-section. A coil spring 91 extends about the brake rod 98. A
gripping member 99 is adjacent to and is slidably engageable with
the brake rod 98 along a distance equal to the adjustment range 53
of FIG. 5. The gripping member 99 in this example includes a clamp
101 that engages with the brake wire 90 via a set screw 101. A coil
spring 97 wraps around brake wire 90 above the clamp 101 from the
perspective of FIG. 10. The coil spring 91 and the coil spring 97
bias the gripping member 99 downwards, from the perspective of FIG.
10, towards a non-actuated mode. The gripping member 99 also
includes a block 110 and plate 112, in this example a metal plate,
that both also engage with the brake wire 90 near a first end 111
of the metal plate. The metal plate 112 has an aperture 311 near a
second end 113 of the metal plate spaced-apart from the first end
111. The brake rod 98 passes through the aperture 311. The metal
plate 112 is slidably engageable with the brake rod 98.
[0058] FIG. 11 shows the metal plate 112 and the brake rod 98 of
FIG. 10 in isolation. The metal plate 112 slidably receives the
brake rod 98 in a non-actuated mode. The brake wire 90 is
operatively connected adjacent to the first end 111 as seen in FIG.
10. When the brake wire 90 is actuated or pulled upwards from the
perspective of FIGS. 10 and 11, the first end 111 of the metal
plate moves upward as indicated by FIG. 12. The plate is thereby
caused to tilt, with the aperture 311 abutting and engaging the
brake rod 98. The metal plate 112 thereby is able to grip the brake
rod 98. The brake wire 90 continues to be pulled upwards when
actuated and this causes the metal plate, and in turn, the brake
rod 98, to move upwards in unison with the brake wire 90.
[0059] Referring back to FIG. 1, a first pair of wheel assemblies
266 and 267 are rotatably mounted to the outer frame members 22 and
24. In this example both wheel assembly 266 and wheel assembly 267
are structurally and functionally the same. Accordingly, only wheel
assembly 266 will be discussed in detail.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the wheel assembly 266
includes a brake pad assembly 272. The brake pad assembly 272 has a
proximal end 276 that connects to the lower end 28 of the outer
frame member 22. The brake pad assembly 272 has a bracket housing
271 that receives a ground-engaging wheel 268 at a distal end 274
of the brake pad assembly which is spaced-apart from the proximal
end 276. An aperture 270 near the distal end 274 connects to the
wheel 268 via a wheel axis 269. The brake pad assembly 272 includes
a brake housing 277 between the proximal end 276 and the distal end
274. The brake housing 277 extends overtop of and along at least a
portion of the wheel 268 and includes an interior 273. The brake
housing 277 includes a removable covering portion 261 that has an
inner portion 263 within the interior 273 and which connects to the
rest of the brake housing by means of a screw 265 which his Allen
key removable in this example.
[0061] FIG. 15 shows the wheel assembly 266 with the brake housing
277 partially removed to show the interior 273. The brake pad
assembly 272 includes a brake pad mechanism 211 located within the
interior 273. The brake pad mechanism 211 includes a brake pad
lever 200 pivotally mounted to the brake housing 277 via pivot rod
201 as best shown in FIG. 16. Bushings 203 on both ends of the
pivot rod 201 are interposed between the brake pad lever 200 and
the brake housing 277. A spring 205 is coiled around the pivot rod
201 and, as shown in FIG. 17, includes an outer portion 207 that
extends outwardly away from the brake pad lever 200. The brake pad
lever 200 has a first end 202 with a pivot 213 that connects to the
brake rod 98. The brake pad lever 200 also has a second end 204
which is opposite the first end 202.
[0062] A brake pad 212 is located near the second end 204. As best
shown in FIG. 17, it includes an elongate part 208 that is slidably
insertable within a slot 210. The brake pad 212 extends outwards
from the slot 210 towards an outer periphery 275 of the wheel 268
shown in FIG. 18. The brake pad 212 includes a contact part 209
extending parallel to the wheel axis 269 shown in FIG. 15 for
engaging the wheel 268. The brake pad 212 as a result is T-shaped
in this example.
[0063] The brake pad mechanism 211 includes a means 214 for
connecting the brake pad 212 within the slot 210 and for adjusting
the position of the brake pad 212 relative to the wheel 268. The
means 214 for connecting and adjusting is located at the second end
204 of the brake pad lever 200, as best shown in FIG. 17. In this
example, the means for connecting and adjusting 214 is an Allen key
adjustable screw that passes through aperture 216 to releasably
abut the elongate part 208 of the brake pad 212. Referring to FIG.
15, the covering portion 261 is adjacent to the means 214 for
connecting and adjusting. The brake housing 277 extends around the
brake pad mechanism 211, including the means 214 for connecting and
adjusting, to at least the outer periphery 275 of the wheel 268 for
fully protecting the brake pad mechanism 211 thereby.
Advantageously, the means 214 for connecting and adjusting is
accessible upon removal of the covering portion 261.
[0064] The brake pad lever 200 is spring-biased via the outer
portion 207 of the spring 205, which abuts against the brake
housing 277 as shown in FIG. 15, to position the brake pad 212
spaced-apart from and adjacent to the outer periphery 275 of the
wheel 268.
[0065] In operation, to brake the walker apparatus, the braking
handle is either pulled upwards in the direction of arrow 93 for
braking as shown FIG. 8 or pushed downwards for parking as shown in
FIG. 9. Either of these actions operatively actuates the brake wire
90, which in turn actuates the gripping member 108 to engage or
actuate the brake rod 98, as shown in FIG. 12. When brake rod 98 is
actuated or moved upward from the perspective of FIG. 18, the brake
pad lever 200 causes the brake pad 212 to engage the wheel 268 for
inhibiting rotation of the wheel.
[0066] Referring back to FIG. 1, the walker apparatus 20 has a
second pair of ground-engaging wheel assemblies 308 and 310. These
wheel assemblies 308 and 310 are similar to wheel assemblies 266
and 267 with the exception that they do not include brake pad
assemblies or mechanisms.
[0067] A pair of spaced-apart support members 100 and 102 connect
together the first and second pair of wheel assemblies, as best
shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Each support member is the substantially
the same and has the same structure and function. Only support
member 100 will be discussed in detail. Support member 100 aligns
with and extends via a proximal end 61 from the tube 62 of the
outer frame member 22 to a distal end 104 of the support member
which connects to wheel assembly 308. The support member 100 is
arc-shaped and partially circular. The support member 100 has an
apex 307. The apex 307 is the most elevated point of the support
member 100 from the perspective of FIG. 1. The apex extends towards
the upper end 26 of the elongate member 22. A seat 139 for resting,
which includes an extendable and retractable seat handle 148,
connects to the apexes of the support members. The support members
thereby support the seat 139. A rod 106 extends from the tube 62 of
the outer frame member 22, adjacent end 61 of support member 100 as
seen in FIG. 1, to near the distal end 104 of the support member
100. The same applies with respect to rod 105 for corresponding
support member 102 as partially shown for example in FIG. 3.
[0068] The foldable walker apparatus includes a collapsible basket
114 that extends between the support members 100 and 102. The
collapsible basket 114 is best shown in FIGS. 19 to 22. The
collapsible basket 114 includes a basket member 125 made in this
example of flexible fabric. The term fabric is used in the broadest
sense of the word, and may include non-woven material, plastic,
flexible sheets and other such materials. The basket member 125 in
this example has a top 126 with abutting faces 123, 127 and 129.
The top 126 has an opening 128 for inserting objects into an
interior 130 of the basket member. The basket member 125 includes
sides 131 and 133 that extend downwards from the top 126 from the
perspective of FIG. 19. The sides 131 and 133 in this example are
made of netting. A bottom 135 opposite the top 126 connects the
sides 131 and 133. The bottom 135 in this example is made of
continuous, non-netted fabric.
[0069] The collapsible basket 114 includes spaced-apart end members
118 and 126. Each end member, such as end member 118, is flat and
includes a rigid peripheral portion which in this example is
5-sided wire frame 131. The basket member 125 extends between and
is supported by the wire frame of the end members. The end members
are moveable towards each other when the walker apparatus is folded
due to the flexibility of the basket member 125. The basket member
may thereby fold to collapse the collapsible basket 114 when
folding the walker apparatus. Importantly, this is possible without
needing to remove the collapsible basket 114 from the walker
apparatus.
[0070] Each of the end members is substantially the same with the
same structure and function. Only end member 118 will be discussed
in detail. End member 118 in this example includes an insert 121
which diagonally extends from the top 126 to the side 131 as shown
in FIG. 22. The end member 118 may include a flap member 124 to
further secure the insert 121 to the end member 118. The insert 121
includes an extended grooved projection 117 as best shown in FIG.
21A.
[0071] A connection bracket 120 is shaped through a grooved housing
137 to slidably receive the grooved projection 117. The groove
housing 121 is best shown in FIG. 21A, which shows the connection
bracket 120 partially in section. Referring back to both FIG. 19
and FIG. 1, the connection bracket 120 includes a first connector
116 which fastens the connection bracket 120 to the support member
100 near the distal end 104 of the support member 100. The
connection bracket 120 includes a second connector 122 spaced-apart
from the first connector 116 by the grooved housing 137. The second
connector 122 fastens the connection bracket 120 to the rod 106. A
substantially similar connection bracket 130 corresponds to the
corresponding support member 102 and rod 105. The collapsible
basket 114 is thereby slidably securable with and removable from
the walker apparatus 20.
[0072] The walker apparatus 20 includes a folding mechanism 136 as
best shown in an unfolded mode in FIGS. 23 to 25. The folding
mechanism may be referred to as a means for bringing together the
frame members 22 and 24 for folding the walker. The folding
mechanism 136 includes a pair of spaced-apart inner frame members
138 and 166. Inner frame member 136 includes a first part 140 and a
second part 157. The first part 140 has a first end 142 that
pivotally receives and thereby pivotally connects to the support
member 100 via a first extended pivot rod 141, as shown by FIG. 23
in combination with FIG. 1. The first part 140 has a second end 144
spaced-apart from the first end 142. A pivot 146 at the second end
144 pivotally connects the first part 140 to a hinge member
150.
[0073] The second part 157 includes a first end 158 with a bolt 160
that connects the second part 157 to the hinge member 150. Bolt 162
near the first end 158 also connects the second part 157 to the
hinge member 150. The first part 140 and the second part 157 of the
inner frame member 138 are thereby hingedly connected together. The
second part 157 has a second end 164 which is spaced-apart from the
first end 15. The second end pivotally receives and thereby
pivotally connects to the support member 102 via a second extended
pivot rod 165, as shown by FIG. 23 in combination with FIG. 1.
[0074] The inner frame member 166 includes a first part 168 and a
second part 176 that are pivotally connected together via pivot
174. The first part 168 has a first end 170 with a connector 171
that pivotally receives and thereby pivotally connects with the rod
106. The first part 168 has a second end 173 with teeth 172
extending therefrom above and over top of the pivot 174. The second
part 176 has a first end 179 with teeth 178 extending therefrom
above and over top of the pivot 174. The teeth 172 and 178 are
positioned to inter-engage in an over-the-center action in the
extended mode and thereby inhibit further movement of the inner
frame members towards the lower ends of the outer frame members.
The second part has a second end 180 with a connector 181 that
pivotally receives and thereby pivotally connects with the rod
105.
[0075] The folding mechanism 136 includes a pair of link members
184 including a first link member 186 and a second link member 194
which form an x-shaped arranged when fully open. The first link
member 186 pivotally connects at a first end 188 via pivot 189 to
the first part 168 of the inner frame member 166. The first link
member 186 pivotally connects at a second end 190 via pivot 191 to
the second part 157 of the inner frame member 157 near the first
end 158. The first link member 186 includes a bend 187 that extends
outwardly towards the adjacent outer frame member 22. In this
example, the bend 187 extends towards the first end 142 of the
first part 140 of the inner frame member 138.
[0076] The second link member 194 pivotally connects at a first end
196 via pivot 197 to the second part 176 of the inner frame member
166. The second link member 194 pivotally connects at a second end
198 via pivot 199 to the first part 140 of the inner frame member
138 near the second end 144. The second link member 194 includes a
bend 195 that extends outwardly towards the outer frame member 24.
In this example, the bend 195 extends towards the second end 164 of
the second part 157 of the inner frame member 138. A square bracket
155 outwardly extends from the second link member 194 to enable the
first link member 186 to slidably pass therethrough. The pair of
link members 184 thereby diagonally extend between and operatively
connect the inner frame members 138 and 166 together.
[0077] The operation of the folding mechanism 136 is illustrated in
FIGS. 26 to 30. FIG. 26 shows the folding mechanism 136 on the
walker apparatus 20 in the unfolded or fully open mode in which
inner frame members 136 and 166 are substantially horizontal. FIG.
27 shows the folding mechanism 136 in a partially folded mode. The
user pulls the seat handle 148 upwards from the perspective of the
FIG. 27. This causes the first part 140 and the second part 157 of
the inner frame member 136 to fold through pivot 146 together and
towards each other. Because the link members 185 and 194 are
connected close to the seat handle 148, the actuation of the seat
handle 148 also causes the first link member 186 and the second
link member 194 to pull the first part 168 and the second part 176
of the inner frame member 166 to fold together and towards each
other by means of pivot 174. The inner frame members continue to
fold together until a fully folded mode is reached as shown in
FIGS. 28 to 30. The foldable walker 20 is thereby laterally folded
together in a compact, upright manner, with the outer frames 22 and
24 coming together. Advantageously, the foldable walker 20 may
remain standing in the fully folded mode and be moved like a piece
of luggage on wheels.
[0078] The structure of the present invention provides many
advantages. For the brake pad assembly, because both the brake pad
mechanism 200 and means 214 for connecting and adjusting are within
the brake housing 277, the life of these components is prolonged by
the housing, inhibiting the entry of dirt and rocks therein. Also,
the brake housing 277 provides a compact, streamline solution for
covering the mechanism 200 and means 214 so as to protect the
interior against general wear and tear, to inhibit damage from the
user's feet, and to inhibit entanglement with the user's clothes,
which ensures that the walker apparatus is safer. Conveniently,
when the brake pad needs adjusting, the covering portion 261 is
readily removable for accessing the means 214.
[0079] The brake rod of the present invention provides the
advantage of being self-adjusting and without requiring user
intervention or being accessible to the user. The gripping member
108 may slide along the brake rod until such time as braking is
needed. The gripping member 99 continues to be engageable to
operate for braking even if the thumb screw is loose, unscrewed,
strip-threaded or otherwise damaged. This provides an added layer
of safety for the user as it inhibits the user from tampering with
or adjusting the brake rod assembly. It is provides the advantage
of ensuring that braking still works when the user needs to brake
but, for example, where the walker apparatus has been damaged
through an accident, or where the user does not have the sufficient
dexterity to make other adjustments.
[0080] The frame shape of the walker apparatus, and in particular
the support members 100 and 102 with their arc-shape provide the
advantage of allowing a light, aircraft-quality aluminum to be used
but still maintaining high strength and support requirements. In
one example, the structure with the seat 139 resting on the apexes
of the support members provides a rated weight capacity of at least
300 lbs. Because the frame locates the seat 139 in the middle of
the walker apparatus, that is, halfway between the wheels, the
frame thereby provides a walker apparatus that is more stable and
therefore safer.
[0081] The collapsible basket 114 has the advantage of requiring
very few parts: simply two connectable end members each having a
rigid peripheral portion with fabric stretching around
therebetween. The basket 114 is more user-friendly in that it can
remain connected to and need not be removed the walker apparatus
when the walker is folded. The basket 114 connects and folds in
such a manner as to not comprise the integrity of the support
members 100 and 102 or other aspects of the walker frame. Because
the sides 131 and 133 are made of netting as opposed to continuous
fabric, this allows the basket 114 to fold even more easily.
[0082] The folding mechanism provides a structure that better
promotes later support and is therefore more robust. The bends 187
and 195 offer more resistance to shear forces acting, for example,
against the support members. Because the links 186 and 194
intersect, they inhibit torsional twisting of the frame of the
walker apparatus. The inner frame members 136 and 166 further
promote lateral support. This means that the folding mechanism only
requires two cross links 186 and 194 for its functioning and
therefore uses fewer parts. This results in the advantage of
providing a folding mechanism that is easier to manufacture and
thus less expensive. The bends 187 and 195 also enable the folding
mechanism to fold laterally in a more compact manner.
[0083] Because the links 186 and 194 are spaced inwardly from the
support members 100 and 102, this provides the walker apparatus
with a folding mechanism that is more compact and less likely to
tangle with the user's clothing. Also, it results in a folding
mechanism that is more durable if the walker is dropped or
otherwise damaged because the links 186 and 194 are adjacent to the
support members 100 and 102 and seat 139.
[0084] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many
variations are possible within the scope of the inventive aspects
of the walker apparatus. For example, instead of the folding
mechanism 136, other means may be used for bringing together the
frame members for folding the walker, as are known to those skilled
in the art, for the non-folding inventive aspects of the walker
apparatus.
[0085] For aspects of the invention other than the brake rod, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that, instead of a brake rod,
other means for actuating a brake pad mechanism may be used for the
walker apparatus.
[0086] The handle bar assembly disclosed in the present invention
is just by way of example. Those skilled in the art will appreciate
that other means for engaging a brake pad mechanism may be used for
the walker apparatus.
[0087] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, instead of
the brake pad mechanism 211, other brake pad means for braking at
least one of the wheels may be used for the walker apparatus for
its non-brake pad and non-brake housing inventive aspects.
Likewise, other means 214 for connecting and adjusting the
corresponding brake pad may be used for the walker apparatus for
its non-brake pad and non-brake housing inventive aspects.
[0088] It will further be understood by a person skilled in the art
that many of the details provided above are by way of example only
and can be varied or deleted without departing from the scope of
the invention as set out in the following claims.
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